He faces three charges of murder, one of attempted murder and one of defeating the ends of justice for allegedly killing his mother, father and brother, and seriously injuring his sister.

On Monday, the court heard that Van Breda spent the weekend at Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, a private hospital in Cape Town, where he was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy after a series of medical tests.

Piet Botha, for Van Breda, told the court that the 23-year-old had a seizure on Wednesday, and was hospitalised on Thursday and examined by neurologist Dr James Butler.

The defence was due to call a psychologist on Monday, but proceedings were postponed to give her time to amend her report if she deemed it necessary, as she has not yet had sight of the neurologist’s report.

Judge Siraj Desai said ethical issues may arise, however, as the neurologist -- Dr James Butler -- had been a potential State witness whom they ultimately did not call, but had consulted.

Van Breda has pleaded not guilty to murdering his father, Martin, brother Rudi and mother Teresa.